Honest notes from people who live here.
Driving, weather, food, and what's actually open. Written by the team that runs the four hotels — and re-checked when conditions change.
Parking rules in Icelandic towns
Make parking in Iceland’s most charming towns a breeze with Ourhotels.is. Whether you’re navigating Borgarnes’ blue-zone meters, Stykkishólmur’s harbor-front free spots, or…
Parking at natural attractions
Exploring Iceland’s Westfjords and West Iceland doesn’t have to be a parking headache. With tips on arriving early or late, tapping into…
SIM cards and mobile data
Explore Westfjords and West Iceland without missing a moment online. Grab a local SIM or eSIM for fast 4G coverage, affordable data…
Ísafjörður Swimming Pool: The Town’s Geothermal Pool a Short Walk Away
Ísafjörður's geothermal pool, Sundhöll Ísafjarðar, is a short walk from town with hot pots and a sauna. A practical guide to Iceland's…
Tipping and paying in Keflavík Airport: card terminals, rounding up, and when cash is useful
Arrive at Keflavík Airport with confidence: credit and contactless payments are accepted everywhere, you can easily round up on terminals to tip…
How to enjoy evenings without activities
Embrace the hush of Icelandic evenings in the Westfjords and West Iceland, where slowing down is its own adventure. Unwind at The…
When to slow down (even if locals don’t)
Discover the Joy of Slowing Down in Westfjords and West Iceland. Swap the rush of everyday life for lazy mornings by the…
Hraunfossar & Barnafoss: Waterfalls on the Hvítá River in West Iceland
Hraunfossar spills out of a lava field along nearly a kilometre of ledges into the blue Hvítá river — a 35-minute drive…
Saying ‘takk’ goes far: tiny language habits that make interactions smoother
Unlock friendlier conversations in the Westfjords & West Iceland with a simple “góðan daginn” or “takk.” At Ourhotels.is—whether you’re staying at Hvítá…
How to handle pool etiquette at a local pool in Þórsmörk: showers, rules, and unspoken norms
After a day hiking Þórsmörk’s dramatic canyons and lush valleys, there’s no better way to unwind than soaking in the community’s geothermal…
Why architecture blends in
Discover how Westfjords and West Iceland’s architecture seems to grow right out of the landscape—wood, stone and turf-roofed buildings echo the hues…
Tipping culture in Iceland explained
Discover the stress-free way to enjoy Iceland’s breathtaking beauty: tipping isn’t expected—service is already included and workers earn fair wages—yet small “takk”s…
Do you need cash in Iceland?
Discover the freedom of exploring Westfjords & West Iceland without the burden of a bulky wallet—most places accept contactless cards, from gas…
Tipping and paying in Akureyri: card terminals, rounding up, and when cash is useful
Discover how easy it is to pay in Akureyri—from tapping your Visa or Mastercard almost anywhere to knowing when to carry a…
Sea Kayaking in Skutulsfjörður: Paddling Ísafjörður’s Home Fjord
Guided sea kayaking on Skutulsfjörður launches right from Ísafjörður's harbour — calm water, seabirds, and mountain views, no car needed. Stay at…
Tangagata: Ísafjörður’s Oldest Street and Its Timber Houses
Walk Tangagata and the Neðstikaupstaður harbour district in Ísafjörður to see Iceland's oldest timber houses, some from the 1700s. A free, self-guided…
Why Small Town Iceland Offers the Best Travel Experience
Discover the true heart of Iceland by swapping its busy cities for quaint fishing villages and hilltop inns. Here, you’ll chat with…
How housekeeping works in Iceland
Discover eco-friendly housekeeping in Iceland with Ourhotels.is: towel reuse, water-saving linen rotations and non-toxic cleaners keep your room fresh and green. Whether…
Why Iceland has so many waterfalls
Discover Iceland’s 10,000-plus waterfalls as you journey through Westfjords and West Iceland—where crystal streams tumble from lava fields at Hraunfossar, the Golden…
Saxhóll Crater: A 5-Minute Stairway Climb Up a Volcano in Snæfellsjökull National Park
Climb a metal staircase to the rim of Saxhóll, a red scoria crater in Snæfellsjökull National Park, for sweeping lava-field and coastal…
VAT refund strategy for shopping in Akureyri: receipts, minimums, and departure-day timing
Maximize your savings on Icelandic souvenirs with an easy 11% VAT refund: shop items over ISK 6,000, keep “Tax Free” receipts, and…
Why sunrise feels private
There’s a quiet magic in Westfjords and West Iceland: imagine stepping from your room at Ísafjörður Inn or The Stykkishólmur Inn onto…
Best Nature Destinations Near Ísafjörður
Discover the Westfjords’ untamed beauty from the charming town of Ísafjörður. Base yourself at the cozy Ísafjörður Inn (part of Ourhotels.is) and…
VAT refund walkthrough: minimum purchase, getting forms stamped, and where the refund point is
Discover how to reclaim Iceland’s 24 % VAT on purchases of 6 000 ISK or more—from getting your “Tax Free” form stamped…